Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service

The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service provides advanced study in leadership that prepares graduates to make significant contributions to their organizations and communities. The program is designed for professions with present or emerging leadership responsibilities in a variety of learning communities: universities, colleges, business and industry, health care institutions, community organizations, social services, unions, libraries, government agencies, vocational education, staff training programs, consulting organizations, international agencies, as well as K-12 public, private and parochial schools. Participants share a common interest in leadership and may use their own work sites as a focus of graduate study. In essence, the program is designed to facilitate the development of effective leaders across a broad community.

The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service is a natural extension of our commitment to live and promote the Franciscan values of peacemaking, community, caring and hospitality. More specifically, the program involves the entire Stritch community in preparing men and women with leadership skills, cutting-edge knowledge and community-based opportunities to exercise responsible leadership in their organizations and communities.

Stritch also offers the Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education. The program is designed for current and aspiring leaders working in two- and four-year colleges and universities and community and technical colleges who seek to be a catalyst for meaningful change within their organization.

Program Details

Leadership: Leading individuals and groups – Effectively engages in processes and practices to influence others toward achievement of a goal.

Learning: Facilitating learning among individuals and groups – Effectively engages self, others, and systems in (research-based) processes that promote the acquisition of knowledge, skill, and dispositions that support the achievement of a goal.

Service: Effectively engages the transformation of self and systems to serve the needs and aspirations individuals, organizations, and society.

Research: Designs and engages in valid research processes that allow for accurate analysis and understandings to make appropriate decisions.

Overall Program Outcome: Values the relationship between leadership, learning, service, and research to on-going personal and professional efforts to improve the capacity of self and others.

Application Process and Requirements

Academic and Professional Requirements

A grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in master’s coursework is required, but a lower GPA can be considered on an individual basis.

Admissions Application and Transcripts

Complete the Admissions Application

Submit the admissions application which is free to complete online. Applications for this program are reviewed on a rolling basis so allow sufficient time before the start of your program to be considered for admission.

Request Transcripts

Have official transcripts from each college or university you attended delivered directly to the Office of Admissions. Cardinal Stritch University alumni and current students should inquire with the admission counselor about locating transcripts already on file.

Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States require a course-by-course evaluation with GPA. Request the official report from ECE or WES to be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Allow time for the evaluation to be completed since it could take up to 4-6 weeks to be created.

Three Letters of Recommendation with Reference Forms

Three letters of recommendation and reference forms are required. Two letters should be submitted from professionals in your field, and one from a representative of a college or university. References should include their letters of recommendation with the reference forms.

Send Application Materials to Admissions

Funding Your Education

Counselors in our Financial Aid Office know how to help doctoral students locate all options available for funding their education.

Alumni Network

Students, families, and employers know Cardinal Stritch University as a place that helps students find their mission, develop new skills, gain relevant career experience, and expand their professional networks. With a network of over 38,000 graduates, our alumni are successful in their roles at nonprofits, schools, small companies, health care organizations, corporations, and entrepreneurial ventures.